By Joe Walker
“Should I hate you because you’re arrogant instead?”
Television makes it difficult to be satisfied with your own appearance.
Network presentations flash images of what you should, or should want, to look like. Stars of your favorite shows portray a fictional character but depict how great looking they are in real life. Some programs have no storyline at all. They’re simply dedicated to how attractive celebrities are, how unattractive you are, and what you can do to be more like them.
Back in the 80s actress/model Kelly Lebrock appeared in commercials for Pantene shampoo. At the start of these ads she’d insist, “Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful.” Fair enough. We’ll find another reason to hate you. Paris Hilton says those same exact words every time she’s in front of a camera (wearing the finest make-up, designer clothes and accessories, no less). I’ve never actually heard those words come out of her mouth, but her body language and attitude portrays it. Media records it, broadcasts it.
Personally I hate Hilton because she resembles a too-tall Tweety Bird. And she can’t act. She can’t sing either. She can flaunt her family wealth though. I hate her for that too. A spin through my neighborhood would have Hilton crying, “I hate you because you just robbed me.” Hey, extra money for gas would be beautiful right now.
I’ve been a professional wrestling fan since I was, I think, six-years-old. I always hated Hulk Hogan with his red and yellow outfits, him constantly beating my favorite wrestling characters, and his three demandments of, “train, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins!” Then he’d pose, flexing his 24-inch-python biceps. When I was a kid I never liked my slender arms. I said my prayers and took vitamins all the time. I trained too. I was a soccer goalie. I did push-ups. But my grass-snake-arms never became pythons.
As I got older I learned about health and beauty aids, fashion, exercise, the aging process, and opinions. I understood what each of those meant to my appearance, and those of others. Have you seen Kelly Lebrock lately? Ever seen Paris Hilton without her make-up and designer outfits? And if you have, what did you think? And really, what does it matter? Regardless of what an ad suggests or what someone thinks, I understand I’m going to look like me. You’re going to look like you. We can ritually enhance our appearances all we want. We’re constantly changing, in appearance, tastes and opinions. Some will like what they see, some won’t. Be satisfied with yourself. The most important advertisements and programs you’ll ever watch are broadcast in your mirror.
New Resolution #36: Love yourself, and be openly entertained.
